Angiosome-Guided Perfusion Decellularization of Fasciocutaneous Flaps

Liya Yang; Xueshan Bai; Yuanbo Liu; Shan Zhu; Shanshan Li; Zixiang Chen; Tinglu Han; Shengyang Jin; Mengqing Zang

doi:10.1055/a-2404-2608

Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery, Table of Contents

J Reconstr Microsurg 2025; 41(05): 405-414
DOI: 10.1055/a-2404-2608

Original Article

Angiosome-Guided Perfusion Decellularization of Fasciocutaneous Flaps

Liya Yang ^*

¹Division of Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China

,

Xueshan Bai^*

¹Division of Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China

,

Yuanbo Liu

¹Division of Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China

,

Shan Zhu

¹Division of Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China

,

Shanshan Li

¹Division of Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China

,

Zixiang Chen

¹Division of Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China

,

Tinglu Han

¹Division of Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China

,

Shengyang Jin

¹Division of Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China

,

Mengqing Zang

¹Division of Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China

› Author Affiliations

Abstract

Background Tissue engineering based on whole-organ perfusion decellularization has successfully generated small-animal organs, including the heart and limbs. Herein, we aimed to use angiosome-guided perfusion decellularization to develop an acellular fasciocutaneous flap matrix with an intact vascular network.

Methods Abdominal flaps of rats were harvested, and the vascular pedicle (iliac artery and vein) was dissected and injected with methylene blue to identify the angiosome region and determine the flap dimension for harvesting. To decellularize flaps, the iliac artery was perfused sequentially with 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), deionized water, and 1% Triton-X100. Gross morphology, histology, and DNA quantity of flaps were then obtained. Flaps were also subjected to glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and hydroxyproline content assays and computed tomography angiography.

Results Histological assessment indicated that cellular content was completely removed in all flap layers following a 10-hour perfusion in SDS. DNA quantification confirmed 81% DNA removal. Based on biochemical assays, decellularized flaps had hydroxyproline content comparable with that of native flaps, although significantly fewer GAGs (p = 0.0019). Histology and computed tomography angiography illustrated the integrity and perfusability of the vascular system.

Conclusion The proposed angiosome-guided perfusion decellularization protocol could effectively remove cellular content from rat fasciocutaneous flaps and preserve the integrity of innate vascular networks.

Keywords

angiosome - perfusion decellularization - flap substitute - extracellular matrix scaffold - whole-organ engineering

Full Text

References

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